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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

2016 in review: the 10 best CD releases

Those of you who follow me on Twitter, or that have checked my list of guest posts, know that I write reviews for Darkview. This means that I get a steady stream of review copies of CDs sent to me, which fuels my CD-buying habit as well. Because is a release is good, I will go out and buy it. I've written similar lists in 2014 and 2015, if you want some more recommendations.

With that said, let me give you my top 10 picks of 2016 - some quite popular, others perhaps more obscure.

10. Dream Theater – The Astonishing
The opinions are divided on this release. This Cd is not your typical Dream Theater, but in my opinion, it brings something extra and a deeper layer. And, of course, it's still work from the Gods of Prog.

8. Myrkur - Mausoleum
Women who make black metal get a lot of haters, and so does Myrkur. But this year, she surprised friends and enemies with her new turn: an acoustic, choir-based version of some of her darker outlets.

7. Katatonia – Fall of Hearts
Good old Katatonia, they have moved away from their heavier and darker roots, added some extra prog, but they never forget to keep things deep. You can read my full review here, and check out a track of this album here:

6. Les Discrets - Viree Nocturne
A discovery for me this year. Even though Viree Nocturne is just an EP, I was quite pleasantly surprised by it. A blend of trip-hop and post-black metal? It works, and it works quite well.

4. Devin Townsend Project - Transendence
Townsend is a mastermind, and he proves it again with his latest release Transendence. Some of the best prog of the moment.

3. Opeth - Sorceress
Opeth have come a long way from their darker beginnings. Blackwater park was a masterpiece, but so is Sorceress - and the two albums are complete polar opposites. You can read my full review here.

2. Hexvessel – When we are death
Think psychedelic prog lost in the Finnish forests, and you get an idea of what Hexvessel bring. When we are death is more prog and maybe less dark Finnish forests, but they still preserver their unique sound. Read my full review here.

1. Oceans of Slumber - Winter
Discovery of the year. Oceans of Slumber are the new heroes of prog, and beyond. Their album Winter is a journey across emotions, musical styles, and instruments. You can read my full review here.